Let's Talk Music and Mental Health: Being Bipolar

What's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word "Bipolar"? What would you do if your date told you they were diagnosed Bipolar?

This question was also posed by Erika, a friend and fellow musician, on social media who had recently been diagnosed Bipolar. Mental illnesses are complex and we do no favors to those who suffer from them by avoiding talking about them or reacting out of fear. Speaking scientifically, we have always just reduced certain disorders down to chemical imbalances. It can very well be argued that everything can be reduced down to chemical reactions, which I admit aligns with my theoretical orientations, but this misses seeing the forest through the trees. Emily, my colleague and music therapist, and I co-host a podcast featuring individuals with disabilities who advocate and accomplish great things regardless of the challenges they face. We sat down with Erika to hear her story on being a musician, music and mental health, and what it's like being Bipolar.